12.4.13

Los Numerados

The above photograph dates from 1929. If you look at the centre panel you can see something unusual. The player with his back to the camera is plainly numbered. It's Chelsea right back George Smith, playing against Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.

Two Football League matches were played in August 1928 in which shirts were numbered, one being Chelsea vs Swansea Town at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea didn't wear the numbered shirts in any other domestic matches that season, but the following summer they used them on their South America tour, earning the nickname Los Numerados.

Whereas ten years previously an English team of any standard could have expected to dazzle the South Americans and win most matches easily, the balance of power was shifting slightly. Chelsea were a mediocre Division 2 side (they finished in 9th place in 1928-29), and on this tour they lost more games than they won and conceded more goals than they scored.

A newspaper report of the Corinthians game, which ended in a 4-4 draw, reveals that the Brazilians were rather underwhelmed by Chelsea:

There were no dribbles from Chelsea at all, and they suffered when they were passing the ball. The midfielders are obscure, and can perform only what is expected of them. The defence has a strong goalkeeper (Sam Millington), who has to be highlighted. The centre-backs use way too many clearances, aiming to buy time, and have a bad habit of running forward and forcing the opponents to get offside.If I had to praise one of their front men, it would be Elliot, a hard-working fellow who runs the attack. The only other player who deserves such praise is the goalkeeper. Another curious fact is the manner in which the professionals kick the ball: with the tip of their toes, not the best advice for anything other than special cases, like when the goal is near.Folha da Manha